God Reveals His Name

Exodus 3:1–4:17

The Big Idea

God knows his people, speaks to Moses, and gives him a mission. We can ask honest questions while learning to trust God’s presence and help.

The Bible Story

Moses and the Burning Bush

In Exodus 3:13–15, Moses asks what he should say if the Israelites ask for God’s name. God answers, “I AM WHO I AM,” tells Moses to say that “I AM” sent him, and gives the name “the LORD.” The LORD is identified as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the ancestors of the Israelites. This conversation takes place at the burning bush, where God has called Moses and sent him to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The passage presents God’s name as the name by which he is remembered. It also shows Moses asking an honest question while receiving God’s answer and direction. The wording should remain close to the passage, without adding speculative explanations of the divine name or describing God as a visible human figure.

Themes

Calling and obedience Courage despite fear God provides help God’s compassion for Israel’s suffering God’s holy presence God’s name and faithfulness Signs confirming God’s message

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Moses asks what he should say to the Israelites, and God answers from the burning bush, revealing the name “I AM WHO I AM” and the name “the LORD.” The composition can use carefully legible lettering near the bush without turning the divine name into a decorative or speculative symbol.

Talk together

Talk about it

What name did God give Moses?
How did God help Moses when he was afraid?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to introduce Exodus 3:13–15 or to discuss God’s name, holy presence, calling, and courage. Invite children to notice Moses’ question and God’s clear answer. Remind them that the scene shows God speaking from the bush; avoid adding explanations or symbols not supplied by the passage.

Source note